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Gedling Borough councillors reject motion calling for immediate enhanced DBS checks for all members

Gedling Councillors rejected a motion asking for all members to immediately go through enhanced checks to safeguard children and vulnerable adults – but agreed to look into whether the rule could be introduced into policy in future.

Labour-led Gedling Borough Council met in a full council meeting on Wednesday, January 22.

The motion was put forward by Gedling Council Leader, Cllr Mike Adams (Con), leader of the council’s opposition, to make it mandatory for all councillors to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

An enhanced DBS  (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is the highest level of check available to anyone working in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.

The difference between a standard DBS check and an enhanced one is that it reveals unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands and other relevant police notes and information.

It also reveals if the current employee is listed on the Children’s Barred List or Adult First list.

Cllr Adams originally raised the motion in 2019. He brought the plan forward again during Wednesday’s meeting, saying that the “safety of staff, fellow councillors and residents” is “not completely represented” in the chamber.

Under the motion, Cllr Adams proposed all future councillors, including those elected from 2023 until present, undergo an enhanced DBS check.

This would have meant all councillors present the DBS information within 72 days of the motion.

Future councillors would have 72 days from the day they are elected to present their DBS check, and all costs would be met by the council.

Cllr Adams said: “This will not only ensure better transparency but also ensure that any risk of harm or untoward behaviour is minimised.”

He added: “This  is something we have to do. We should have done it in 2019. For whatever reason, it wasn’t voted for by the lead group and sadly the motion did not go any further.

“We need to make sure that every councillor who is going to spend time with children or vulnerable adults has been checked to make sure they have no previous criminal convictions that would bar them from being in the presence of [them].

“This is incredibly important and we need to make sure we are doing that for the safety of the children and vulnerable people in our borough.”

Policy on enhanced checks for councillors differs between different types of local authority.

Last January, the then-Conservative Government ordered larger councils which oversee education or social care to carry out the checks for members who sit on committees for these services. As a borough council, Gedling is not directly responsible for schools or social care in the area.

Cllr David Ellis (Lab), Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, moved the amendment to the Standards Committee to come back with a report to the council.

He said in the meeting: “Nobody can disagree with the sentiment that we are responsible for safeguarding and that we ought to do whatever we can to make sure the way we operate is consistent with that, and everyone we come across feels welcome and safe.

“The proposal for a DBS check raises issues in terms of procedures and policies which I feel needs greater consideration.”

Cllr Sam Smith (Con), who seconded the motion, said he was “disappointed” at the amendment calling it an “utter disgrace”.

He said in the meeting: “What a disgrace, what an absolute disgrace of an amendment that is. To use the excuse as ‘procedure and policy issues’. Procedure and policy issues over the protection of children and vulnerable adults?”

Cllr David Ellis (Lab) said there are issues around an enhanced DBS check, saying he doesn’t want a “half-baked” motion but a “properly thought out” approach to the issue.

He added: “This is not intended to dilute the motion, it’s intended to achieve cross-party consensus, move forward and achieve something.

“If it’s amended, I will support the amended motion.”

All nine Conservative councillors voted against the Labour amendment, but  a majority of Labour councillors voted it through.

The amendment will now go to the council’s standards committee to come back with a report to the council before a final decision is made.

Colwick packaging firm ‘checks’ in at historic Green’s Windmill 

A Colwick-based packaging giant has provided a cash injection to an historic working windmill as part of the firm’s ‘year of giving’ campaign. 

As part of its campaign, The Wilkins Group will be making one donation each month throughout 2025 to local causes impacted by the current economic climate. 

The first recipient of a donation was the Green’s Windmill and Science Centre, based in Sneinton, Notts, which received a cheque for £1,000 on January 22. 

Green’s Windmill celebrates the life of its former owner, scientist George Green, and functions as a working windmill, museum and educational centre. 

The team there works tirelessly to keep the legacy of George Green alive, and has to raise an estimated £80,000 annually just to stay afloat. 

Not only does the landmark offer a range of events throughout the year, local school children make up many of its visitors, and the site is even home to an apple tree grown from the seed of Isaac Newton’s Woolsthorpe Manor apple tree, which inspired him to formulate his theory of gravity. 

Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK’s leading food producers, said: “We are a proud Nottingham-based firm and we wanted to make a difference to our local area and to the people who live here.” 

The Wilkins Group announced its ‘12 months of giving’ campaign in December, kick-starting the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers as a Christmas gift. 

Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause. 

Justin said: “The windmill is a landmark that I have seen locally ever since I was a child, and the sheer amount of donations it requires to stay functional is phenomenal. The reaction to our 12 months of giving campaign has been fantastic. Our clients have loved it.” 

Denny Plowman, trustee and treasurer at Green’s Windmill said: “We are a local charity with international connections, but most of our time is spent looking for grants and attracting donations to keep this show on the road. 

“We currently employ two members of staff including one miller, and this donation from The Wilkins Group will go towards our day-to-day running costs. Throughout the year we hold many events, and we need to keep our name in the minds of local people and remind them to come and visit us.” 

It is thought that former owner George Green was the first person to create a mathematical theory of electricity and magnetism, which formed the foundation for the work of other scientists such as James Clerk Maxwell, William Thomson, and others. 

Justin added: “We know the team at Green’s Windmill has more expenses than usual, and some extensive repairs are underway. We hope our contribution will go some way to keeping the sails turning for generations to come.” 

The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury – to name a few.  

It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.  

Gedling Borough Council foots £190,000 bill for agency workers including bin drivers

Gedling Borough Council has revealed it spent £190,000 on agency workers – including bin lorry drivers – to cover staff shortages in environmental departments.

The Labour-run authority met on Wednesday, January 22, to discuss a budget report covering August to November 2024.

The reports reveal the council spent the £190,000 on agency workers in environmental services from August to November last year.

This includes £90,000 on refuse vehicle drivers, £30,000 on street cleaners and £40,000 on cemetery workers.

£90,000 was spent on refuse vehicle drivers and £30,000 on street cleaners PHOTO: GBC

The council also spent £30,000 to cover staff absences alone.

A more “permanent solution” is needed to cover staff who aren’t working, the document adds.

Cllr Marje Paling (Lab), the council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment Services, said it had been “difficult” to recruit bin lorry drivers in recent months and to retain them.

She said: “We have set up internal promotion schemes to convert ordinary operatives into drivers.

“They’re very expensive for agency cover. We don’t have any spare drivers or crew and we empty thousands of bins a day.

“There is always a fluctuating number of staff coming and going, so if we cant recruit workers we need agency staff to cover that.”

Recent flooding means more workers are needed to clean up streets, leaving the council no choice but to hire agency staff.

She added: “I’m dreading this weekend, the weather means we’ll have high winds and may go on agency staff to clear trees.

“We had to do that with the flooding. It is a large bill. We had one crisis after another, it’s been a difficult year.”

‘Urgent’ repairs planned at Newstead Abbey due to ‘severe health and safety risks’

Urgent repair work is due to take place at the ancestral home of poet Lord Byron as part of efforts to remove it from a heritage ‘at risk’ register.

Nottingham City Council, which runs Newstead Abbey as part of its museums and galleries service, started developing a programme of repairs last year.

The authority is now looking to use just under £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to pay for repairs to the Sussex Tower at the abbey.

According to council delegated decision documents the tower has become “a severe health and safety risk” due to water damage, and some rooms below have been emptied of collections and are no longer accessible.

“Newstead Abbey is on the Heritage at Risk Register primarily because of the poor state of its roofs and insufficient rainwater goods causing internal damage from water ingress,” documents say.

In order to carry out urgent repairs to the tower, grant funding has been applied for from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“The grant funding will enable a professional team, a conservation-accredited architect, structural engineer, quantity surveyor and scaffolding designer, to lead the project and a main contractor to deliver the repairs.

“The Sussex Tower is a priority area because it contains a redundant and rusty water tank which, due to deteriorated roofs, fills up during downpours and leaks rainwater into the rooms below causing damage to ceilings and walls.”

Newstead Abbey dates back as far as the 12th century, and was home to the poet from 1808 to 1814.

Ken Robinson, who sits on the Newstead Abbey Partnership, a collection of local people who work together to raise money for the upkeep of the site,  emphasised the importance of maintaining the abbey due to its local and international importance.

“[The repairs are] a necessity,” Mr Robinson said.

“They abbey was a integral part of Lord Byron’s life, even if for a short period of time.

“Looking at it in terms of the visitor economy, we want people to come to the area. We had some visitors from Greece who all came along for the celebration of 200 years since Byron died.

“They were a party of about 18, and some of them were representatives of the Greek government. We need to maintain it, not just for the people of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the other shires, but also the international communities.”

In 2021 the council announced it was formally entering into a friendship agreement with a municipality in Attiki, Greece, called Vyronas, which means ‘Byron’ in Greek.

Lord Byron actively supported the Greek struggle for independence from Ottoman rule.

He acted as a fighter for the liberation struggles of the Italians and the Greeks in the early 19th century, and spent significant sums of his personal fortune to assist their causes.

Mr Robinson said areas of the abbey have been “leaking like a colander”, adding: “It is an important part of our history and heritage.”

If the grant money is awarded, the council says the repair programme will begin in April this year.

The water tank will be removed, the roof repaired to its original design, and masonry and internal ceilings will be made safe.

It is expected the work will finish in March 2028.

Forkliftonline review

Today’s world presents modern challenges. As the economies of European countries and therefore trade are developing rapidly, there is a need for new vehicles to enable this trade to take place.

Such vehicles can be tractors with semi-trailers, lorries, vans and even equipped minivans. However, we should not overlook such important machines as warehousing equipment – the grey intermediaries between the manufacturer and logistics.

Their work is not visible to the average person, but it is impossible to imagine the existence of any warehouse without them. To provide warehouses in 2025 will help marketplaces – online marketplaces that specialise in buying and selling new and used cars, spare parts for them and services.

The leading marketplace in Europe is forkliftonline.com. This portal can please with a wide range of warehouse equipment and services. Let’s talk about it in more detail.

What is Forkliftonline?

As we said above, it is a marketplace, a marketplace that is a link between many sellers and the buyer. Here you can find adverts from both private individuals, who can, for example, sell their forklift, and from official dealers, from whom you can buy new equipment. 

What can I find here?

Forkliftonline features thousands of adverts for new and used warehouse equipment, including:

  • Diesel forklifts
  • Electric forklifts
  • Gas forklifts
  • Petrol forklifts
  • Gas/petrol forklifts
  • Telehandlers
  • Reach Trucks
  • Container Loaders
  • Order pickers
  • Side loaders
  • Off-road forklifts
  • Tricycle Forklift Trucks
  • Heavy Duty Forklift Trucks
  • Rotary forklifts
  • Mobile forklifts
  • Narrow aisle forklifts
  • Spare parts for forklift trucks
  • Electric trucks
  • Stackers
  • Electric trucks
  • Rockles

Key benefits of Forkliftonline

Forkliftonline has earned its love all over the world, as evidenced by its leading position in the top searches. But why is it loved? Here are the top four criteria.

  1. Transparency and humanity. All listings are manually moderated. If you have any questions, you can always contact the support team where they will help you resolve your issue.
  2. Assortment and availability. The site is the largest in Spain in terms of availability of new and used machinery. You will be able to find spare parts for anything you need. The total number of adverts to date is over 30,000. 
  3. Safety and confidence. You can be confident in the deal, as first of all almost all ads have real photos from real sellers. With the phone number in the advert you can directly contact the seller and find out all the information you are interested in
  4. Modernity and lightness. The site is made on modern moulds. The interface is intuitive, translated into the most common languages. It is possible to add to favourites, compare, and there is a chat with the seller. On mobile phones, you can use the app for convenience.

How to work with Forkliftonline?

Working with the Forkliftonline platform is easy and convenient, thanks to a well thought-out interface and a wide range of functionality. The buying process consists of several steps:

  1. Registering on the site (optional step). Although it is not compulsory to register, the personal account provides additional features such as saving listings to favourites, tracking your request history and the ability to set up notifications.
  2. Search for appliances: Use filters by category, manufacturer, price and other parameters.
  3. Contacting the seller: contact directly via chat, phone or email specified in the advert.
  4. Buying: for large transactions, a personal inspection is recommended.

Six Nations preview

The 2025 Six Nations Championship is just around the corner, promising another thrilling season of world-class rugby. Kicking off on 31 January with France hosting Wales, this year’s tournament is set to feature fresh challenges, bold strategies, and key updates that could shape the future of the game.

Key Changes for 2025

Apart from a controversial branding update, this year’s Six Nations, or rather, “M6N,” introduces several significant updates designed to enhance gameplay.

New World Rugby law trials include a 60-second limit for conversions and stricter setup times for scrums and lineouts, ensuring a faster pace and more dynamic action.

Player safety also takes precedence, with increased protection for scrum-halves in set-piece situations. These updates aim to make the game of rugby more engaging and safer for players and fans alike.

Team Standings

  • Ireland: The 2024 Six Nations champions enter the tournament with momentum after securing back-to-back titles. Bolstered by the return of key players like Dan Sheehan and Hugo Keenan, their depth and consistency make them favourites to defend their crown.
  • France: Last year’s runners-up will be eager to reclaim the title, starting their campaign at home. Their high-octane attack, home advantage, and lessons from their narrow defeat to Ireland in 2024 position them as strong contenders.
  • England: Steve Borthwick’s men are under new leadership, with Maro Itoje as captain. Despite securing third place in 2024, they remain inconsistent. The shift away from a blitz defence system signals a fresh tactical approach, and Itoje’s leadership will be key in rallying a side eager to return to the top.
  • Wales: Warren Gatland’s team endured a winless 2024 campaign, leading to bold squad changes. By introducing new talent, dropping seasoned players, and recalling some veterans, Gatland is hoping to shake things up and avoid the wooden spoon again.
  • Scotland: Despite finishing fourth in 2024, Scotland showed flashes of brilliance, including a win over England. They will aim to convert potential into results this year, with the updated rules favouring their mobile pack.
  • Italy: Italy had a promising 2024, finishing fifth with two wins and a draw, including a historic home victory over Scotland. As they continue to develop, they have the potential to surprise again, especially with new gameplay laws encouraging fluidity.

Predictions and Closing Thoughts

Ireland and France appear to lead the pack, while England may be a dark horse. Scotland and Italy are both capable of upsets, while Wales are focusing on getting any sort of win. With new rules, squad dynamics, and intense rivalries, the 2025 Six Nations is looking like a thriller.

UK slot game developers lead the charge in gaming innovation 

Online gaming has grown over the last couple of years, with slots being a favorite source of entertainment for many. Standing at the frontline in this surge of the gaming world are UK-based developers of slot games, while driving the growth of this burgeoning industry, these developers have set a new standard for creativity and innovation at the same time. 

The UK has rapidly become one of the hubs in developing online slots, with its developers pushing the boundaries of what games can deliver. But why are these UK developers leading this charge in innovative slot gaming?

The Creative Edge of UK Developers

The UK is renowned for its rich history of creativity, which truly finds a place in the slot game industry; starting from small studios to big names like Microgaming and Playtech, the developer’s philosophy relies on the approach of keeping things original in every game’s design, that is, the games should be entertaining to play, with catchy graphics and an appeal in the storylines. Their approach goes beyond simple spin-to-win mechanics, offering players an immersive experience.

The UK slots are very varied; while classic three-reel slots do still exist, in more modern UK creations one can find more recent mechanics like cascading reels, bonus rounds with complex premises, and even interaction of sorts. This has kept the market fresh and competitive, placing the UK developers high within the context of the global slots scene.

The Integration of Technology in Slots

Tech development has changed online gaming completely, and UK developers have been ready to implement their work with every new trend. They use HTML5 widely because it allows games to work properly on most devices without losing their quality; now many of them are trying to create games using VR and AR for more impressive features.

RNGs guarantee fairness, while blockchain is in place for secure and transparent transactions; now, with AI and machine learning added to the mix to offer games based on player preference, developers in the UK are always trying to up their level of creativity about what is possible in online slots.

Focus on User Experience and Engagement

UK developers have realized very vividly that players want more than just fancy graphics; they want to be engaged, kept entertained, and rewarded. This has given rise to the development of many themed and storytelling slots that make players feel like they are on some kind of adventure, rather than merely spinning reels.

The history of golf traditions

Golf is like a lot of sports in that it has a lot of traditions that can seem quite odd to the outside world. But, most of these traditions have a grounding in history and when you learn where they came from, and the reasons for their existence, they make a little more sense. From terms like mulligan and dormie to the use of caddies and the buying of rounds of drinks after sinking a hole in one, it pays to have some idea of their origins or uses.

Betting

It isn’t uncommon for players to have a friendly wager when stepping out on the course. And, commercial betting on the sport also continues to increase. It is popular around the world, with major events taking place in the US, Europe, and Australia.   

A betting sites not on GamStop in the UK, players can bet on a wide range of sports, from golf to rugby.Punters can also use offshore platforms to enjoy in-play betting for golf tournaments, meaning they can place wagers as competitions and games are being played out in real time. 

18 Holes

The first golf events were held in Scotland when courses were only made up of 5 or 7 holes. One early exception was St Andrews. There were ten holes at St Andrews and players would play ten of the holes giving a round consisting of 22.

In 1764, the course combined four short holes to create two. Players still repeated ten holes, though, which gave a round of 18 holes. Other courses soon followed suit, leading to the 18-hole golf courses we are used to today.

Golf fans from all over the world visit Scotland every year to play on this legendary course, which helps to contribute to the country’s lucrative golf tourism sector. International tour operators alone bring in 50,000 golfers to the country every year. 

The 19th Hole

Another long-standing golfing tradition is for players to enjoy a drink or two after a round. It isn’t clear exactly when this started, but one of the oldest known clubhouses still being used today is the Golf Tavern at Bruntsfield Links in Scotland. It opened and has been used as a 19th hole since 1852. The pub even supplies clubs to keen players who want to play a round.

Drinks Are On You

Nobody knows when this tradition started, but it can lead to a bitter-sweet celebration for some players as players who manage to sink a hole in one are expected, according to tradition, to buy a round of drinks in the clubhouse. Some believe that the tradition started in order to prevent false claims of holes in one. Who would falsely claim to have scored an Ace if they then had to buy a round of 20 whiskies?

Fore

It is likely that the use of the word “fore” originates from the days of having forecaddies. Forecaddies would walk the course ahead of the player, looking for lost balls and identifying their placement. As such, the forecaddie was at risk of being hit by the next player’s shot.

Today, the shout of “fore” is used whenever a player hits a stray ball that risks hitting another player or spectator on the course, to avoid potential injury. 

Caddies

When it comes to caddies, the first recorded use was way back in the 17th Century. The future King James VII of Scotland had somebody carry his clubs and find his balls on the course, rather than doing it himself, during the first international golf contest.

The advent of electric golf carts and other technologies means caddies are less popular now, but professional golfers still use them, and caddies typically earn a share of the prize money the player takes home.

Removing The Hat

At the end of a round of golf, it is customary for the players to shake hands. Before doing so, they should remove their hats. The practice of removing hats stems far beyond golf, however, and is considered a sign of politeness or sportsmanship.

Today, some players choose to tip their caps rather than shake hands, and the fist bump has also become more acceptable on the course. Regardless of the method, this show of sportsmanship is considered important and is expected from all players.

Gimmie

The gimmie is commonly used terminology and is most often experienced in casual golf between friends, although not in proper competition. Generally, a gimmie is offered by other players, and it is down to their discretion as to the distance and regularity that they are offered, but a gimmie is usually only given when the shot lands a foot or two short. It is considered good etiquette to accept a gimmie when it is given.

Dormie

Dormie stems from the Latin word “dormir”, which means to sleep. A player is said to be dormie when they are ahead by as many shots as holes are remaining. So, if you are 6 up with 6 to play, you are dormie. It refers to the fact that the dormie player is in a position where they can relax and not stress about their play as much.

However, players have gone on to lose after being dormie, so you should definitely avoid sleeping.

Mulligan

Many clubs and people lay claim to being or knowing the origin of the term mulligan: a word that is used when a player retakes their first shot because they hit a disappointing or wayward drive. Most of the claims centre on one man – David Mulligan, who was a hotelier who played at the St. Lambert CC in Montreal.

Depending on the story you believe, the term came from a single impetuous choice to retake a shot, the fact he was allowed a second attempt because of being shaky from the drive to the course, or because he rushed to the course after waking up late one day and was allowed to take his first shot, that he skewed due to tiredness. The term breakfast ball is also used in the U.S. for a similar retaken shot.

The Dress Code

The dress code that is in place at most courses and during most tournaments dates back to the first games of golf played. Players were expected to wear collared shirts, trousers, and golf shoes as a market of respect for the sport while also ensuring that players looked the part while on the course.

Former betting trade body CEO joins Nottingham Forest board

Michael Dugher, former CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has joined the board of Nottingham Forest Football Club, marking a pivotal career development and a strategic acquisition for the club. Dugher led the BGC from 2020 to earlier this year, a tenure during which he became known for his expertise in government relations, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. His leadership was defined by efforts to promote responsible gambling practices while fostering collaboration between the betting industry and key stakeholders. Dugher’s appointment brings this wealth of experience to Nottingham Forest at a time when strong governance and strategic direction are crucial for the club’s growth in a highly competitive football landscape.

BGC was formed in 2019 intending to better the UK’s gambling industry standards. Today, gamers have plenty of safe online casinos to choose from, like the ones listed in Joe Hernandez’s best UK online casinos list. These sites attract and maintain gamblers through lucrative bonuses, loyalty rewards, and cutting-edge user experiences. This competition has driven rapid innovation and a customer-centric approach, creating an environment where understanding market trends and consumer behaviour is paramount. Dugher’s leadership at the BGC placed him at the heart of this competitive ecosystem, providing him with a deep understanding of how businesses can thrive by enhancing customer engagement while adhering to strict regulatory frameworks.

The BGC was pivotal during a transformative period for the gambling industry. They led efforts to implement higher standards of responsibility and sustainability within the sector, focusing on consumer protection and promoting best practices. This role required balancing the commercial interests of the betting industry with societal concerns, a dynamic that aligns well with the challenges faced by football clubs engaged in sponsorship and partnerships with betting companies. Nottingham Forest could benefit greatly from Dugher’s ability to manage these competing priorities, ensuring ethical practices while optimising commercial opportunities.

The appointment also underscores Nottingham Forest’s ambition to solidify its standing in the Premier League, where they currently sit sixth on the EPL table. The club has made significant strides on the pitch, but its long-term success hinges on effective governance and financial sustainability. Dugher’s expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes will be invaluable as the club strengthens its commercial operations. With the football industry under increasing scrutiny for its relationship with betting companies, his experience will ensure that Forest can maximise commercial opportunities while adhering to evolving ethical standards.

Nottingham Forest’s decision to bring Dugher on board is emblematic of a broader trend in football, where clubs are seeking to integrate professionals with diverse industry expertise into their leadership. The intersection of football and the betting industry has grown significantly in recent years, driven by sponsorship deals, technological collaborations, and fan engagement initiatives. Dugher’s background positions him to effectively bridge these worlds, potentially unlocking new revenue streams for the club while maintaining a focus on integrity and social responsibility.

This move also highlights Nottingham Forest’s proactive approach to navigating the evolving regulatory environment surrounding gambling sponsorships in football. Recently, there has been increasing pressure from advocacy groups and policymakers to reduce the visibility of betting advertisements in sports, citing concerns about their broader societal impact. Dugher, who has had a deep understanding of these issues since his time at the BGC, is uniquely equipped to help Nottingham Forest adapt to these challenges. His insights could prove instrumental in shaping the club’s response to potential changes in legislation and public sentiment.

Furthermore, Dugher’s appointment reflects his personal ties to Nottingham Forest. As a lifelong supporter of the club, he brings not only professional expertise but also a deep passion for its success. This combination of personal and professional investment is likely to enhance his contributions to the board. His commitment to the club aligns with Forest’s broader vision of building a robust governance structure that can support sustainable growth both on and off the pitch.

The timing of this appointment is significant, given Nottingham Forest’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a stable Premier League presence. Competing at the highest level of English football requires more than just on-field performance; it demands a well-run organization capable of leveraging commercial opportunities, managing risks, and fostering community engagement. Dugher’s background in stakeholder engagement and strategic planning will play a crucial role in helping the club achieve these objectives.

Overall, Michael Dugher’s transition from the betting industry to football governance highlights the increasingly interconnected nature of these sectors. His appointment represents a step forward for Nottingham Forest as it seeks to balance the demands of modern football with its historical and community values. By integrating his expertise into the club’s leadership, Forest aims to position itself as a model of responsible and innovative football management.

History of Nottingham’s Racecourse and its Ladies Day

Nottingham Racecourse, with its rich history and exciting modern developments, continues to be a prominent destination for horse racing fans. Dating back to 1773, racing in Nottingham began at the site known as ‘Nottingham Forest’, but by the end of the 19th century, the racecourse had moved to its current location at Colwick Park. Over the years, Nottingham Racecourse has earned its reputation as one of the most prestigious venues for flat racing, drawing attention not only for its history but for the incredible racing action that continues to unfold on its turf.

In the 1960s, a major turning point occurred when the site was purchased by Nottingham City Council, and an ongoing lease agreement was signed with Racecourse Holdings Trust. This ensured the future of the racecourse and its development into a modern and thriving venue. The course underwent significant changes over the years, particularly in 1996 when it became solely a flat racing venue, after being a dual-purpose course that hosted both flat and National Hunt racing. This shift allowed Nottingham to refine its tracks and attract top-tier horses, paving the way for major events and fixtures.

From then till now and always, there has been a growing trend of those interested in horse racing, as Nottingham stands as a proud example of the sport’s rich history. Even history can go online, as a long-standing tradition like horse betting, which is part of any horse racing history, follows its fans to the digital world. This growing interest in online horse racing analyses and opinions has become a staple for casual fans and serious punters looking to get an edge in their betting choices. For those new to the sport or looking for insights into the latest racing trends, it’s always beneficial to check out horse racing tips from Racing Tipster, where racecourse enthusiasts can get a deeper understanding of the horses, jockeys, and tracks that could lead to profitable betting strategies, particularly during major events like those at Nottingham. 

The course’s history is steeped in remarkable moments, such as when legendary jockey Stan Mellor became the first National Hunt jockey to win 1000 races aboard Ouzo. Additionally, future Grand National winner Timmy Murphy’s victory in Nottingham’s final jumps race in 1996 marked the end of an era for National Hunt racing at the venue. This move towards flat racing opened the doors for the track to focus on classic hopefuls, with horses like Sir Henry Cecil’s Oh So Sharp winning her Maiden race at Nottingham before going on to secure the Fillies Triple Crown.

Modern trends in horse racing are becoming increasingly evident at Nottingham, and the racecourse continues to make strides in innovation and accessibility. One of the biggest recent developments is the enhanced facilities available to racegoers. The addition of two flat tracks, specifically designed for the early and late parts of the season, improves ground conditions and allows for better race preparation. This focus on quality has earned Nottingham Racecourse accolades, including the Racehorse Owners Association’s Gold Standard in 2014 for its exceptional facilities.Last but not least, Lady’s Day is set to return to Nottingham Racecourse in May 2025, which exemplifies the combination of tradition and modernity that the racecourse brings to the community. The event has become a significant social highlight in Nottingham, attracting fashion-conscious attendees and bringing the excitement of horse racing to life. The atmosphere on Lady’s Day is electric, with racegoers dressed in their finest attire, enjoying the races and the après-racing entertainment. With its Premier Enclosure offering exclusive access to a private viewing area and a vibrant party atmosphere after the races, Nottingham’s Ladies Day has become an unmissable event for both racing fans and socialites alike.